The country's gas shortage, now in its second week, is bringing hours-long lines to gas stations that have been unable to keep up with demand. The federal government has been trying to curtail what has been organized gas theft and corruption in the country. To do so, López Obrador's administration has shut down major pipelines of the state-owned petroleum company Pemex, which were targeted by several organized thieves, including drug traffickers.

López Obrador said he was in contact with the leader of Pemex, and his government's secretary of defense declared a national emergency Friday night. López Obrador offered his condolences to the victims and their families and called on government resources to attend to their needs.

In a statement late Friday, Pemex said the gas rupture occurred after illicit activity. A specialized team was responding, and fire trucks and suppressant foam were being brought to the site to put out the fire.